8 Summer Festivals and Events to Enjoy in Washington, D.C

As spring and summer are just around the corner, it is time to start planning those fun and relaxing vacations or where you will be taking your next adventurous trip! Before you get caught up in booking those sandy beach getaways, let me show you what the nation's capital and your neighborhood has to offer this Summer 2018! Washington, D.C is filled with a culture of it's own, a part of that is the list of ongoing events that take place during the summer season, bringing people together from all over and unifying them through common interests. So, from food to music to film, let's explore this summer's "must-attend" festivals and events in Washington, D.C.

1. Annual 17th Street Festival

(17th Street Festival)

The Annual 17th Street Festival has been around for a few years now, this event brings together hundreds of people spreading diversity and culture through its various vendors and artists. This festival has around 100 different vendors showcasing their art, jewelry, and creativity. While strolling through the different vendors you can also enjoy live music from various performers and food from vendors throughout the festival!

To come out and celebrate the people, shops, and restaurants of 17th street, you can attend the festival on Saturday, August 25th, 2018, from 12 noon- 7pm.

2. SAVOR

(SAVOR)

SAVOR is the ultimate festival that allows you to indulge yourself in the tasting of craft beers and food. SAVOR brings together 90 different breweries throughout the country to present to you 181 different beers. Each can be enjoyed along side carefully chosen dishes for you to taste as SAVOR creates the ultimate "American craft beer & food experience".

SAVOR is held at the National Building Museum on June 1st & 2nd.

3. D.C Jazz Festival

(Compfight Commercial, Jazz Festival)

(Compfight Commercial, Jazz Festival)

The D.C Jazz festival has been an annual event since 2005 and has had the goal of bringing together diverse communities through jazz music, for as long as it has been around. For those who love and enjoy jazz or live performances, the D.C Jazz Festival has a line up that will make the festival a must! The Jazz Festival has events taking place at the Kennedy Center and The Wharf, and is from June 8th-17th.

4. Capital Pride

(Compfight Creative Commons, Pride Festival)

(Compfight Creative Commons, Pride Festival)

The Capital Pride Alliance has hosted the Capital Pride parade in Washington, D.C for decades and each year the turnout grows. This global movement is something to be a part of as it takes place in the heart of the city. Capital Pride truly brings people together to celebrate a common cause and is a colorful movement not to be missed.
You can join or watch the parade on Sunday, June 10th.

5. Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle

(Giant Barbecue Battle)

The Giant Barbecue Battle is our nation's capital's largest food extravaganza. This barbecue battle brings chefs from all across the country to compete for prizes and the tittle of National BBQ Champion. The best part is you get to do the tasting and can enjoy as many free samples as you can handle!

The Giant Barbecue Battle is on June 23rd &24th.

6. Smithsonian Folklife Festival

(Smithsonian Folklife Festival 2009)

This festival is an exposition of art, culture and heritage hosted by the Smithsonian Institute's Center for Folklife. During this time the Nation Mall is filled with history rich art and exhibits to share with the community. This festival brings together hundreds of people and is free to the public, the festival takes place June 27th-July 4th & July 4th-8th.

7. Comcast Xfinity Outdoor Film Festival

For those who've always wanted to watch movies under the stars, Comcast Xfinity Outdoor Film Festival is one you might be interested in. From August 23rd to August 26th, Comcast welcomes you to enjoy free movies under the stars, this year will be the 22nd annual festival and they will be showing hit movies from the year to end the summer.

(Strathmore)

8. Capital Fringe Festival

(Pixabay, Dotigabrelf)

D.C's Capital Fringe Festival is brought to the community as a showcase for new talent. The festival brings together independent local artist who want to share with the community their love of music, theater, music.
Fringe festival takes place July 7th- 29th.

(Pixabay, Niki_Shogol)

This list of summer festivals and events has something for everyone to enjoy! So, while you're planning that summer long getaway trip, if you're in town think about heading down to one of these festivals or events. Enjoy the community culture, experience art, try new foods!